More than 2,000 Somerset residents have now signed a letter calling on Somerset Council to give the public a say before any decision is taken to raise council tax above the 4.99% referendum limit for a second year running.
The letter, organised by the Conservative opposition on Somerset Council, urges the Liberal Democrat administration to consult residents before imposing a potential council tax rise of more than £200 this year, equivalent to an increase of around 11%.
The milestone has been reached just days after the campaign was launched, with signatories coming from across the county and highlighting the growing concern among working families, pensioners and those on fixed incomes about the affordability of further increases.
"Second consecutive increase above the referendum limit"
Last year, Somerset residents were told that a 7.5% council tax rise was exceptional. With a second consecutive increase above the referendum limit now being considered, the Conservative opposition says this no longer represents a one off response to pressure, but a pattern of reliance on higher taxes to cover ongoing financial mismanagement.
Since 2022, average band D council tax bills have risen by more than £660 in towns such as Bridgwater and Taunton, and by over £540 in Yeovil. These increases have been compounded by city, town and parish councils taking on services previously delivered by Somerset Council, passing additional costs on to local households.
"Services are reduced, assets sold and staff cut"
The Conservative opposition group argues that residents are being asked to pay more while services are reduced, assets sold and staff cut, despite tens of millions of pounds being spent on agency staff and consultants. Independent auditors have have also repeatedly raised concerns about the council’s financial management.
Leader of the Conservative Opposition Councillor Diogo Rodrigues said, "With many households now facing close to £900 more a year in council tax overall since 2022, the Conservatives believe residents should be asked a simple question before any increase above the 4.99% referendum limit is imposed, do you want this and can you afford it?"
Sign the letter
The letter, which has already been signed by more than 2,000 people, will be presented to the Somerset Council Executive on Wednesday 11 February. Residents who have not yet added their name are being urged to do so before the meeting takes place here: https://www.somersetcountyconservatives.org.uk/council-tax-survey
